Where to get funding for PBIS, SEL, and Financial Literacy programs

Posted by:
Katie Gracey
4 minute read

Interested in using ClassBank schoolwide but don’t have it in the budget? Many schools have access to funding streams that can support programs like ClassBank, whether through federal grants, curriculum budgets, or local partnerships. Below are several funding sources your school may already be eligible for—and how you can tap into them to implement ClassBank!

District and Federal Funding 

Title I 

What it is:

Title I, Part A (Title I) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) provides financial assistance to local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.

Who gets it:

Schools in which children from low-income families make up at least 40 percent of enrollment are eligible to use Title I funds to operate schoolwide programs that serve all children. 

How ClassBank qualifies:

When ClassBank is used as a schoolwide solution, every student is supported. ClassBank focuses on creating a positive classroom culture that increases engagement and motivation, particularly for disadvantaged students. ClassBank's customizability allows teachers to meet individual students’ needs and provide extra positive reinforcement, promoting a culture of equity. 

If you’re an educator interested in applying for Title I funds, reach out to your district’s Title I director, your district’s federal programs director, or your district’s assistant superintendent. Learn more about Title I funding here.

Title II

What it is:

Title II provides states with funding that they pass down to local educational agencies to support the effectiveness and retention of teachers, principals, and other school leaders.

Who gets it:

These funds are usually distributed to districts with initiatives geared toward improving teacher and principal quality. 

How ClassBank qualifies:

ClassBank helps educators hone their craft by learning to use technology effectively and develop the skills to implement research-based practices effectively. Teachers also gain more in-depth content knowledge on financial literacy, enabling students to succeed in a well-rounded education. The ClassBank platform is easy to implement and maintain and improves classroom culture, which is a major component of teacher retention. 

Learn more about Title II funding here

Title IV

What it is:

Title IV aims to address the comprehensive needs of students by providing them with a “well-rounded education” and increasing access to technology. 20% of Title IV funding falls into the “well-rounded education” category, including software for STEM and other curriculum content. 20% is for safe and healthy schools, including developing school culture and other initiatives such as SEL and PBIS. The last 60% is reserved for “Effective Uses of Technology,” such as digital content. 

Who gets it:

Schools that implement well-rounded education initiatives are eligible to receive these funds from the district. 

How ClassBank qualifies:

ClassBank qualifies for all three buckets of Title IV funding. ClassBank uses embedded financial literacy content to promote a well-rounded education. ClassBank promotes safe and healthy schools by equitably improving classroom culture and allowing teachers to incorporate SEL and PBIS principles easily. The digital platform allows students to build digital literacy skills through the online portal that mirrors a real bank account. 

Learn more about Title IV funding here

District PBIS Funding

What it is:

Many districts allocate specific funds for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) programs to improve school culture, student behavior, and overall engagement. PBIS funding typically focuses on initiatives that help schools implement evidence-based behavioral frameworks to support positive student outcomes.

Who gets it:

Schools and districts that have adopted PBIS frameworks or are working to improve their behavioral systems can use these funds to support related programs and tools.

How ClassBank qualifies:

ClassBank directly supports PBIS initiatives by encouraging positive student behavior through rewards, incentives, and accountability. The platform integrates seamlessly with PBIS frameworks, making it a valuable tool for promoting positive reinforcement, improving classroom management, and building a supportive school culture.

How to apply:

Check with your district's PBIS coordinator or director of student services to learn more about how PBIS funds can be used to implement ClassBank in your school.

Curriculum Budgets and School Enhancement Funds

Curriculum Budgets

What it is:

Many schools have dedicated budgets for purchasing resources that align with state standards in core subjects like math, social studies, and business education. These funds are meant to support curriculum development and enhancement.

How ClassBank qualifies:

ClassBank covers state standards in financial literacy for both social studies and business education courses, as well as aligning with math standards. By providing real-world applications of budgeting, saving, and spending, ClassBank enhances learning while fulfilling curriculum requirements.

How to apply:

Reach out to your school or district curriculum coordinator to explore using curriculum budgets to fund ClassBank.

School Enhancement Funds

What it is:

Many schools have discretionary funds allocated for enhancing school programs, improving student engagement, or introducing new educational tools. These funds may come from district allocations, state initiatives, or even private grants.

How ClassBank qualifies:

ClassBank enhances school culture by promoting positive behaviors and a unified approach to behavior management. Schools looking to improve classroom engagement and behavior management can leverage school enhancement funds to bring this innovative program to their students.

How to apply:

Speak with your school administration or district leaders to see if enhancement funds are available for programs like ClassBank.

Other Opportunities

The NEA Foundation Grants

The National Education Association (NEA) Foundation offers grants to educators for innovative classroom projects. These grants can be used to fund programs like ClassBank that focus on financial literacy and SEL. Learn more here.

Social and Emotional Learning Grants

There are federal and state grants dedicated to supporting Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs in schools. These grants often focus on student well-being, emotional regulation, and improving classroom behavior.

School Climate Transformation Grants

This federal grant helps schools implement evidence-based behavioral frameworks like PBIS to improve student outcomes and school climate. Schools implementing multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) can also benefit from this grant.

Local Business Partnerships

Many local banks, credit unions, and businesses are eager to support financial literacy programs in their communities. ClassBank offers an easy way for businesses to give back by sponsoring student access to financial education tools.

Real-Life Success Stories

Pleasant View Middle School used Title I funds to implement ClassBank across all grades. Within the first semester, they saw a 26% improvement in student engagement and behavior. Check out the case study here!

We're here to help!

At ClassBank, our mission is to ensure that all students—especially those who need it most—have access to a positive learning environment and financial literacy education. We’re here to help you secure the funding needed to implement ClassBank in your school.
Reach out to us at hello@classbank.com or schedule a demo to get started!